Needlework Instruction In Wales Basis For Lily's Amazing Afghans

Lily Elkins has been crocheting for most of her 85 years, but didn't begin making afghans until 45 years ago. Since then, she's crocheted more than 700, she says.

She regrets never keeping a list of them, but notes that they've gone to Switzerland, Wales, Scotland and various parts of the United States.

Once, Lily says she completed six afghans in two months for a bride to give to her wedding attendants. What's even more remarkable is the fact that she did all six as well as two others with a sprained wrist.

Most of her crocheted afghans are given away as gifts, but occasionally people ask her to make one to order.

Her afghans vary in design. Some are made from the shell pattern; others have popcorn stitching in the center. She makes them in stripes, multicolors and solids.

Lily learned to do needlework in school in Wales where she grew up. She believes this is why European women are handy with the needle although she concedes that such instruction is probably no longer part of the regular curriculum.

Over the years, she's made dresses, coats, lap robes, baby clothes, and knitted slippers.

"You name it, I've made it," she quips.

Lily also has crocheted six king-size bedspreads. She used a thinner yarn to make the 144 squares for these. One was made to order of an expensive silk and cotton yarn, she notes.

The needleworker came to this United States in 1921 and has since lived in various parts of the country. In 1970, she returned to Allentown, where she had resided previously. For the last 11 years, she's lived in Episcopal House.